Need a weekend in the country? Spend the third weekend in October visiting the historic Aldie Village and enjoy a fun-filled and educational weekend.

It’s an unincorporated community village located on John Mosby Highway (U.S. Route 50) just west of Gilbert’s Corner, located in the gap between the mountains through which the Little River flows. The village dates back over 200 years and is one of the most historic small villages within a short drive from Washington, D.C. Aldie’s area includes the Aldie Mill Historic District, the Furr Farm, Loudoun Agricutural and Mechanical Institute and Mount Zion Old School Baptist Church, all of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The third weekend in October, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 18 and 19, the village will be celebrating both the annual Aldie Harvest Festival on Saturday and on Sunday showcasing history at Aldie United Methodist Church and the Historic Berkeley House – a fun weekend for the entire family.

Aldie Heritage Association will hold its 50th Harvest Festival on Saturday, Oct. 18. The festival has grown in popularity through the years and was recognized as Visit Loudoun’s Best Event in 2010 and 2013. Aldie’s early community harvest gatherings were similar to farmers’ markets with neighbors boating in on the Little River for a day of socializing. Now Aldie’s award-winning events have kept a community day presentation by celebrating the rural heritage, but the events attract thousands of visitors each year.

The festival provides not only nonprofit organizations with an opportunity to showcase their work, but also includes juried antiques, vendors and crafters, plus delicious food, live music and fun family entertainment. More than 80 vendors will participate. One of the highlights of the festival is the famous Duck Race, where 5,000 little ducks race down Little River, all purchased as chances to win one of 10 prizes or the “Lucky Duck” grand prize of $100,000. The village’s participating merchants will offer special sales to commemorate the occasion, the Aldie Methodist Church will again be serving their famous “sit-down lunch” and bakery sale, and there will be plenty of parking on the east side of the village next to Church of Our Redeemer. For more information visit http://www.AldieHarvestFestival.com and buy a chance to win the duck race. For information about the weekend and accommodations visit http://www.aldieheritageassociation.com www.,AldieLittleRiverInn.com, an inn conveniently located in the center of the village or http://www.BrianPatchBandB.com a bed, and breakfast just west of the village.

On Sunday, Oct. 19, at 2 p.m. at Aldie United Methodist Church, the Mosby Heritage Area Association will host a talk on the VMI Cadets at the Battle of New Market and the Berkeley Family of Aldie. The program will be followed by a tour of the Berkeley House at 39254 John Mosby Highway.

Troy Marshall, site director of the Virginia Museum of the Civil War (of Virginia Military Institute) will speak on “Legacy of Valor – VMI in the Civil War” and historian and author Eric Buckland, will bring to life Edmond Berkeley Jr., who was born in Aldie and wounded in battle along with his fellow cadets. He later became a Mosby Ranger. Local historian Wynne Saffer will discuss the Berkeley Family of Aldie. Books will be for sale from local authors Dan Morrow and Eric Buckland. For more information and tickets call 540-687-6681 or visit the calendar page of http://www.mosbyheritagearea.org.

Here is what the South Riding Proprietary wants us to know about snow removal;
It is the homeowner’s responsibility to remove snow from their own driveways and sidewalks on/and adjacent to their property. They also ask that you do not use salt on concrete surfaces as it causes damage. They recommend using sand to create traction.

Loudoun County requires sidewalks to be cleared 24 hours after snowfall concludes. Whenever possible, park on your driveway or designated spot so the snow plow can clear the street entirely.

South Riding Propriety is responsible for private streets, lanes and alleys that have been “final paved”. These streets can be identified by a small “SRP” on the corner of the street name sign.

Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is responsible for snow and ice management on all public streets. These streets have a 4 digit number on the street name sign. You can address concerns for these streets to VDOT at 703-383-VDOT.

The new programs in South Riding were such a hit, they are coming back for 2012 and registration has begun. Class sizes are limited so contact Town Hall in order to register. Registration is on a first come first serve basis. Registration will not be processed without payment. All classes are being held at the South Riding Center.

New this year; Recreation Programs such as volleyball tournaments and fitness classes. If you are interested in participating or have an idea for a recreation program you would like to see, e-mail .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

January 16th-Ice Cream Making for Kids. 1pm-$8
January 28th-Thomas the Train for Kids. 10am-$8

If you missed out on the Santa tour in South Riding, don’t worry! Our neighbors at Stone Ridge have you covered. Santa will be at Stone Ridge on Saturday, December 17th from 1pm to 4pm. There will be music and refreshments. Follow signs to the Palmer Showhouse at 25135 Himalayas Terrace.

Holiday Market at Murrey Park 8:00am-12:00pm~
This will be a special Holiday Farmers' Market and the perfect opportunity to take care of some of your Holiday shopping! You can also get your Christmas tree right here in South Riding! Green Country Design and Trim will be selling a variety of Christmas trees including: fraizer fir, white pine, conain fir, scotch pine and blue spruce as a well as wreaths and decorative greenery. Other vendors will include: Uncle Fred's BBQ, Freedom HS Theatre Booster Club, Il Bastone, Martins Angus Beef, South Riding Wellness Connection, Pampered Chef, Moutaintop Cookies, A Romance Renaissance, Katiebug Boutique, Stella and Dot Jewelry, French Crepes, Zing Beadz, Scentsy Candles, 31 Gifts, Dawg Mustard, Kelly's Kids,Mary Kay, Juice Plus, All Buttered Up , See Ci, Dots N Stripes Unlimited, Tiny Treats by Tracy, ETAP Fundraising, The Flour Shop, and Discovery Toys.

An Old Fashioned Santa Tour and Visit 12:00pm-2:00pm~
Santa will tour the neighborhood on a horse and carriage, starting from Murrey Park at the special holiday edition of the South Riding Farmers' Market. From there, he will wind his way around South Riding ending up at South Riding Center, 42420 Unicorn Drive. Stop by Santa's workshop to write your letter to Santa and do a craft to take home!

Pictures with at South Riding Center Santa approximately 2:15pm-5pm~
Meet Santa! He will sit by the fire, pose for pictures and listen to your Christmas wishes. Non-perishable food items or toiletries are appreciated. All items will be donated to our local food bank.

Santa Tour Route- Turn by Turn:
Start at Murrey Park ~ Left on Murrey Drive ~ Right on Hyland Hills ~ Right on Flintonbridge ~ Left on Mink Meadows ~ Right on Flintonbridge ~ Left on Priesters Pond ~ Right on Burkedale ~ Right on Planting Field ~ Left on Maple Cross ~ Right on Chilmark ~ Right on Lighthouse Place ~ Left on Planting Field ~ Left on Herring Creek ~Left on Upper Clubhouse ~Right on Center ~ STOP at Town Green for 20minutes ~Left on Crossfield ~ Right on Dabner ~ Left on Freedom ~ Right on Newcastle ~ Right on Center ~ Left on Carrington ~ Right on Mandolin ~ Right on Talent (Turns into Pelican) ~ Left on Mandolin ~Right on Lewiston ~ End at South Riding Center.

House Decorating Contest~
Don’t forget about the South Riding House Decorating Contest! Prizes will be awarded to the condo, townhouse, and single family home that receives the most votes. There will be a prize in the traditional or the contemporary category.
If you would like be part of the Nomination Committee, email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Members of the Nominating Committee gather their family to drive around the neighborhood in search of houses worth nominating. Once all the nominees are picked, they will be posted online for voting. Nominations must be made by midnight Dec. 14th. Finalists will be determined by the 15th. Voting will take place from December 16th through 20th by residents. All nominations will be listed on http://www.southriding.net on the 16th and you will have 5 days to drive around and vote for your favorites. Honorable mention will be made to any street or block that has demonstrated an extraordinary light show.
Send your vote to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or drop your vote off at Town Hall. Residents may also vote on Facebook. Winners will be announced on http://www.southriding.net and contacted by phone or mail.